St. Robert in Pulaski County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

How It All Began

Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 23, 2026

1. How It All Began Marker

Inscription.
In November 2013, an opportunity for development arose during the "The Road Ahead" Strategic Roundtable hosted by the World Monument Fund in Anaheim, CA. Jim Thole, a guest speaker from the Neon Heritage Preservation Committee of the Route 66 Association of Missouri, outlined the Association's vision to establish a neon park in Missouri for orphaned Route 66 neon signs. Subsequent discussions with the Pulaski County Tourism Bureau and the City of St. Robert led to the selection of St. Robert and the George M. Reed Roadside Park as the proposed home for these former icons of the Mother Road. Through voluntary efforts and fundraising through Pulaski County Route 66 Preservation, the project began. In October 2020, the City of St. Robert accepted the project, acquired additional signs and commenced the restoration of the vintage neon signs, which are now proudly on display for visitors from around the world to enjoy.

History of the George M. Reed Roadside Park
The George M. Reed Roadside Park was built in 1952. It was one of 101 Roadside Parks along the Missouri highways as of 1968, and one of 6 roadside parks (and one

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roadside table) built along Route 66 in Missouri. These Roadside Parks were constructed by the Missouri State Highway Department, now known as the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission. The George M. Reed Roadside Park was designed to offer a resting place for travelers, providing them with an opportunity to take a break, have a meal, stretch their legs, and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings without any cost. It is the last remaining Roadside Park along Route 66 in Missouri and is currently maintained by the City of St. Robert.

Situated on a 1.5-acre piece of land between the east and westbound lanes of Route 66, it was originally sponsored by the Waynesville Achievement Club, with later improvements such as lights and water being provided by the City of St. Robert. Unfortunately, Roadside Parks in Missouri have been declining in quality and number since the 1970s. In 1951, there were 55 roadside parks, which increased to 101 in 1968, but decreased to 59 in 2005. In 2004, the Missouri Alliance for Historic Preservation listed Missouri's Roadside Parks as one of the state's "most endangered" treasures. Currently,

Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 23, 2026

2. How It All Began Marker

only 32 Roadside Parks are remaining in Missouri, and the George M. Reed Roadside Park is the oldest continuously operating roadside park left along Route 66 in the state.

Historic Roadside Park information provided by Kip Welborn

Erected 2025.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the U.S. Route 66 series list. A significant historical month for this entry is October 2020.

Location. 37° 49.267′ N, 92° 8.909′ W. Marker is in St. Robert, Missouri, in Pulaski County. It is at the intersection of J.H. Williamson Drive and Business Interstate 44, on the right when traveling north on J.H. Williamson Drive. Marker is located at Route 66 Neon Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 133 Reed Pkwy, Saint Robert MO 65584, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in South-Central Missouri. It is also in the American Ozarks,

in the Lewis & Clark Corridor,

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 23, 2026

3. How It All Began Marker

Located at Route 66 Neon Park, which is also George M. Reed Roadside Park

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

the Louisiana Purchase,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: George M. Reed (here, next to this marker); Modern Cabins (a few steps from this marker); Skyline Garage Auto Service (a few steps from this marker); Motel St. Louis (within shouting distance of this marker); Stanley Cour-Tel (within shouting distance of this marker); D & G Package Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Alura Motel (within shouting distance of this marker); Tri-State Bonding (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Robert.

Also see . . . Route 66 Neon Park (City of Saint Robert's website). (Submitted on September 23, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)

Credits. This page was last revised on September 23, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 23, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 4 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 23, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.